Have you tried.. Cross Fit? (photos)

CrossFit

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A saying on the wall at Wausau CrossFit proclaims, "We don't use machines, we build them." The high-impact fitness and conditioning program incorporates a series of moves using body weight and free weights to strengthen and tone participants who compete against their own performance week after week.

It's a community of fitness enthusiasts who perform a Workout of the Day, using moves including the box jump, handstand, farmer carry and burpee. But every class is different. The participants time each other and encourage others in the session to give it their all. There's a lot of patting on the back and verbal encouragement, very much like gym members are a team.

Getting started requires a 12-week orientation called OnRamp, which teaches the core movements of CrossFit. Coach Leah Alters said the average beginner will take about 15 minutes to perform the routine in OnRamp and then will record a time of 5 to 7 minutes after 12 weeks of training.

OnRamp is limited to no more than 12 athletes, to ensure individual instruction throughout.

CrossFit is tied to the worldwide Reebok program, which hosts regional and national CrossFit Games each year for the most elite athletes.

Workout of the Day sessions are 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The OnRamp sessions are at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.